Princess Thief [✔]

09. Reichen

A safe distance was between us as I stalked their path. Crown Prince Lander was the same as me so there was a chance he could sense my presence if I came too near. 

When they separated, I pursued the other guy until we reached the balcony. I sauntered right in, and there he was with his eerily familiar back.

The man wheeled back slowly. He did not even seem to question why was I behind him. He must have detected me earlier on. However, I wondered why do I recurrently meet people when it's dark and I could not see their faces? It happened twice and this was the third time.

"Greetings, princess. What can I help you?" 

As soon as he spoke, I knew it was him. The magic of disguise allowed me to differentiate each person's voice and I swore, the person in the woods, and the one in front of me were the same.

"Who are you?" I asked.

Unlike the last time we met, this was entirely the opposite. He was the one fully covered while my face was bared. I found myself not worrying about this situation where my identity could be revealed since I could just act like a nosey girl. This was where the fact that I was a princess came in handy since they would never relate me to a thief.

"I'll ask you again, who are you?" I inquired but it sounded more like an order.

I thought he wouldn't answer but he did.

"Reichen."

"Reichen," I repeated automatically. It was a beautiful name.

I didn't know how long I was staring at him and he didn't seem to leave either. I wanted to ask him to have a fight but I could not with my current outfit. For now, I need to know his real identity since there was nothing to indicate his physical appearance. Only his voice was my guide to recognize him.

"Do you work here? Are you a knight? Who do you serve?"

Before he could even answer, I sensed someone approaching.

"Carline!" That was Willow's voice.

I did not respond as my eyes were fixed on the man. The footsteps were getting nearer. Reichen waved his hand and jumped down as a shadow came in sight.

Willow appeared right before me.

"You run so fast, Carline! I cannot even catch up to you."

"Oh, sorry," I muttered an apology and took her hand.

"Why did you have to leave in haste and what are you doing here? It's cold," stated Willow with her face scrunching.

I ignored her questions and took her hand. "Let's go back inside and get some refreshments. I'm parched. What did you say about the Princess of Carrion again? "

***

It was already near the end of the party but there was still no presence of the Crown Prince. Many were anticipating his arrival and my interest was piqued too.

"By the way, Willow, do you know what Crown Prince Freed's look like?" I asked, recalling the topic my sisters were having when we came here.

"Well, from what I heard. He was as short as a dwarf, fat as a pig, and his face was a crossbreed of a donkey and a monkey," she replied with glass on hand.

I could not help but arch my left brow. "You're exaggerating, right?"

"That's what they said. Crown Prince Freed is like you, you know? They don't know your face or anything about you. And remember? Some people said you are an old ugly hag with horns," she retorted.